Sigma Announces World's First F/1.8 Constant Aperture Zoom Lens

While full-frame camera bodies were all the rage last year, it appears Sigma hasn't forgotten the smaller APS-C sensor bodies. The lens manufacturer has just announced the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens, the world's first zoom lens to feature a constant aperture of f/1.8. Before the announcement of this lens, the widest aperture a zoom lens could achieve through the entire zoom range was f/2.8.

With a focal range of 27-52.5mm (35mm equivalent), the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens is meant to be used as a multi-purpose lens capable of shooting landscapes, portraits and casual photography. The size of the lens is fixed as it features internal focusing and zooming. Filters such as circular polarizers can be used with the lens as well since the front part of the lens does not rotate. Other design elements include a nine-blade, rounded diaphragm for round bokeh and multi-layer coating to reduce flare and ghosting.

The price and date of availability is yet to be confirmed, but the lens will be available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts.